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"If you are tempted by the awakening of your own long-dormant wanderlust, Going Gypsy can serve as a primer. . . . The questions [Veronica] poses about 'what next' are relatable ones for all empty nesters." —PBS's Next Avenue

Live Like a Local

We have been to over fifty countries on six of the seven continents over the past ten years, and we can’t count the times we have said “wouldn’t it be cool to live here.” Lately, as all of that motion has taken a bit of a toll, we are seriously considering slowing down a little.

We clearly recall when we first visited Florence thinking how great it would be to spend a month or more, but our pace precluded it. There were stories to write and always another destination awaiting.

What a luxury it would have been to not be rushed when trying to absorb the incredible art and culture in the heart of Italy’s Renaissance city.

We could have avoided the crowds, and long lines, and lived like a local.

And that is just one of dozens of cities across the world that evoked the same desire in us.

As hard as we try to immerse ourselves in a location when we travel, it can be difficult if there are time constraints. Often a day or two, or even a week, is not nearly enough to really get to know a place.

As we contemplate this new direction for our future travels, we have come upon a solution for empty nesters like us that have the freedom to kick off their shoes and stay awhile, longer term rentals from a service such as Spotahome.

The idea of not feeling rushed to see every attraction, or scurrying through meals in wonderful restaurants that we should be savoring is more than appealing, it could be a quantum leap in our travel style.

Living in, as opposed to just visiting, these cities means we could stop wishing we had a kitchen when we see amazing delicacies in the open-air markets, or feeling we missed out because something wasn’t open when we happened to be there.

Leisurely exploring is a luxury we certainly could learn to love… like a local.

3 thoughts on “Live Like a Local”

My wife and I made it to Siena but regretted somewhat not going that extra few miles to Florence. We want to “live like a local”, as you say, but also want the weather during the harsh Canadian winters. We loved Nerja, Spain but temps only get up into the 50’s in February. Have you come across any nice beach towns that have warm weather during Dec-Apr?